If vehicle seller has bill of sale and title, but not sent in yet, that is, not in his name, should I consider buying it? Vehicle is a 98 model and unlikely to have a lien on it. Lastly, what does a "clean" title mean exactly? Thank you.
A clean title just means the vehicle was never deemed a total loss (or salvage). However, it could still have been in prior accidents or have mechanical issues - which is why it’s important to have a trusted mechanic thoroughly look it over (including plugging in his scan tool) before purchasing. That being said, I wouldn’t touch that vehicle without the title being in seller’s name. When it comes to titles, it is prudent to thoroughly check the title and ask for ID - if ID doesn’t match the title credentials, that can be a red flag and best to walk away. Legally they can not sell you a car that isn’t titled in their name, even if it supposedly belongs to their friend/family member/co-worker/etc and with good intentions.
Wow, love this site, almost perfect information, and great advice. Thank you, and I absolutely decided to not even look at the truck in question. Just bought the Ancel ad410 scanner. Gf studies Scotty's videos now and loves him, I, because I found a 2003 Chevy impala thought about it and my lovely gf comments to me..."Well, what does Scotty say?" in reference to the impala. I walked away knowing he doesn't care for them professionally. Funny, cause she's the smart one in our quest for a new used car. Me, not as much as her.
I can speak about this, one of the cars I bought had the title wasn't not in the current owners name, but I didn't realize that until I got home (which was a 500 mile drive.) I tried sending the necessary paper back to them by mail saying why the DMV wouldn't let license the car, at first they said that they would get it done as soon as possible, but eventually they wouldn't respond to my emails. There was no possibility of finding the last owner before them as they had moved away from their address that was on the title, and the people at the DMV had giving 3 different answers 3 different times I went there to ask what to do, and after a while I gave up on it because it was more work then it was worth.
Long story short: Don't buy a car that hasn't been registered in the current owners name unless he can get the paperwork.
sweet, helped me dodge a bullet, thanks so much.
You're welcome, I want people to learn from my mistakes lol.
No. I would stay away. A clean title is that the car has never been damaged in any way. If a vehicle got damaged, then the insurance might put flood/water damage. Anything with a salvage/rebuilt/junk title is playing an ultimate game of risk. Only buy cars with clean titles.
thanks, appreciate your response.
Late to this one, but never buy a car from someone who doesn't have a title in their name. It's illegal and it also creates headaches.
Also, never* buy a branded rebuilt/salvage title vehicle.
*Some people feel it is worth rolling the dice on branded titles. Based on years of personal experience of both myself and many others I know in this industry, I do not recommend doing that. To each their own, but make sure you are aware of the risks before even considering purchasing a branded title vehicle.
*ALSO NOTE: There is no such thing as a "clean rebuilt title". Once a car is branded salvage, it is always salvage and never will have a clean title again.*
Are there risks to health or life when buying branded title vehicles?
There absolutely can be. You never know what components are damaged and in need of repair. Imagine driving down the road at 70mph and you suddenly lose steering. Or a wheel. Or the frame gives up because of existing rot issues, etc. It can absolutely be life threatening.
depends on how much you trust the person
not sure how you can be sure that the person can legally sell a vehicle that is not in their name, like how do you know the original title holder actually signed this title
i think it would be a clean title if it is in the sellers name, there are no liens or brands like salvage or not actual mileage printed on it, but i am not an expert
Thank you.
Thank you so much,
Correct paperwork is hard enough to get processed at the DMV. What if person currently having the title can't find it or passes away before signing it? Big hassles then!! You never know.
If the title is lost, then I would stay away because then it would end up being a rebuilt title. If someone dies, usually it's what in the will of the deceased person.
thank you